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Ji-sung Park appointed Manchester United ambassador

Ji-sung Park has returned to Manchester United to become their newest club ambassador.

The former South Korea captain, who retired earlier this year, played for United between 2005 and 2012, winning nine trophies including four Premier League titles.

The 33-year-old became the first Asian player to win the Champions League in 2008, although he was omitted from United's 18-man matchday squad for the final against Chelsea in Moscow.

Park will celebrate his new role as he and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson take to the Old Trafford turf before Sunday's game against Everton.

The midfielder told the club's official website: "I have fond memories of my time at Manchester United and I am delighted and honoured to have become an ambassador for the club.

"Some of the best moments of my life and career were spent here and I will never forget the great support I had from the club and the fans.

"I am looking forward to once again representing United and sharing some of these memories with our global fanbase."

Park, who joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2005, scored 27 goals in 205 games for United, earning a regular place in Ferguson's teams for major matches with his industrious approach.

He then left for an unsuccessful spell at QPR before ending his career back at PSV, while he won 100 caps for South Korea, captaining the Taegeuk Warriors at the 2010 World Cup.

United's other club ambassadors are former players Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, Bryan Robson, Gary Neville, Andy Cole and Peter Schmeichel plus their most decorated manager, Ferguson.

United Group Managing Director Richard Arnold added: "Ji was a fantastic servant for the club and I'm delighted that he is becoming an ambassador for Manchester United.

"He has always been a favourite with our fans both at Old Trafford and around the world and this new role will give him the chance to meet many of these fans and share his stories."